Frequently Asked Questions

The best place to start is the "Beginners Introduction to Sewing Course" which is perfect for beginners, even if you have never used a sewing machine before. It is made up of four, 3 hour sessions and runs over four weeks. Please see the classes page for more details and to book your place.

I have sewing machines available for use during the session, but if you do have your own sewing machine, I would recommend you bring it along so that you can become more and more confident in using your machines features.

Level 2: Have used a sewing machine before, can thread it and sew in a straight line.

Level 3: Confident using a sewing machine, can sew to different seam allowances, can zig zag stitch, understand about back stitching at start & end of seams. Know what a grain line is. If you have completed Beginners Introduction to Sewing Course, you are level 3.

Level 4: Have completed Introduction to Dressmaking Class or equivalent. Very confident sewing different fabrics such as cotton, denim and stretch fabrics. Understand notches & grain lines. Know how to read and interpret a pattern.

If you don't have a PayPal account, you can still pay online with a credit or debit card by using PayPal's "check out as a guest" option. Alternatively, if you want to pay by Bank Transfer, you can call or email me. M: 07852 953602 E: claire@eli-b.co.uk.

PaymentsI would prefer you to make a booking and pay on my website which takes payments via PayPal. Please note that all bookings will be pending until funds have cleared. I accept the following payments:

PayPal - Via my website. You can also pay with a credit or debit card using PayPal's secure payment system without having to open a PayPal account.

Bank transfers – Should you decide to send a bank transfer, please contact me on claire@eli-b.co.uk and I will provide you with my bank details. Please note that it could take up to 2-3 working days for your payment to clear. I would require your payment to be received at least seven days before your class/workshop is due.

Changing your booking At my discretion, I may allow you to alter your booking, i.e. move to a different class or time slot, depending on availability. However I require a minimum of seven days notice. Please contact me at claire@eli-b.co.uk to inform me for any changes you may wish to make. Please note that no changes can be made to your booking if notified after seven working days prior to the start of the event. This is due to the nature that the classes have a maximum number of attendants.

Minimum class numbers I normally require a minimum class size of three attendants to be booked in order to proceed with a class/workshop. I may choose to run a class with less than the minimum bookings but I reserve the right to reschedule under-subscribed classes. If a class has to be cancelled or postponed due to unavoidable circumstances or if a class is under-subscribed, I will always try to give a minimum of seven days notice and you will be offered an alternative date or credit voucher for the same value to be used on another course (valid for six months). I will not be liable for any other costs or expenses that you may incur as a result of the change.

CancellationsNo-shows or cancellations within the seven days cut off period are non refundable and can not be moved to an alternative date. Unfortunately, I do not offer refunds, if you make a cancellation or do not attend a class as this is due to the limited availability of space in my classes, courses and workshops. Later notice than seven days may only be re-scheduled at my discretion. However, if you are unable to attend the class, course or workshop, and notify me of this before seven days from the start date of the registered and booked class, then you may transfer your booking to a friend or keep as a credit to book against any other class - subject to availability. If you wish to do this you must inform me seven days in advanced by telephone or email.

VouchersVouchers are valid or one year from date of issue and have no cash value.

Waiver of Liability By booking a class, you agree to release me (Claire Watson, Eli-b Create & Sew) from all liability relating to injuries, loss or damage that may occur during or after attending a class. By booking a class, you agree to hold me entirely free from any liability, including financial responsibility for injuries, loss, damage incurred, regardless of whether injuries are caused by negligence. You understand that sewing includes the use of machines, needles, scissors, irons and other tools and that these activities include risks that can cause or lead to injury.

Photographic Release From time to time I may take photographs during the class for promotional use. Should you wish to be excluded from photographs and such usage, then please let me know by emailing me at claire@eli-b.co.uk.

Use of DataWhen you register for a course/workshop, you agree to receive a termly newsletter by email. If you wish to opt out of receiving our termly newsletter, you can click the unsubscribe link at the bottom of the newsletter when you receive it. Your details will not be shared with anyone else.

What Others Say

Claire is a wonderful and patient trainer sharing her vast knowledge and skills. My friend and I started as complete novices and Claire tailored a session around us including how to use our sewing machines. We have both gone on to make cushions independently.

We really enjoyed yesterday and can not wait to come again.
I think it's absolutely fabulous what you do and I am so so glad we found you.

I really enjoyed the class and I love my bunting. Looking forward to seeing what classes you have next. Thank you xx

I recently took the bunting workshop with Claire and it was brilliant! My bunting is amazing and looks so professional and Claire is such a great teacher. She is patient and kind and her workshop was so much fun.

Had a lovely Saffa Girls evening sewing tote bags and cushions. Great night out actually!

Claire is a natural born sewing teacher, I never thought I could fall in love with sewing and Claire has not only helped me achieve wonderful pieces but also her classes are full of wonderful skills I've learnt over the weeks on how to make a finished garment not look "hand made" and meeting of wonderful people. I love my 3 hours spent in Claire's "sewing room" and not recommend her classes enough! Thanks Claire for enabling me to express myself through fabrics and thread ✂️

Thank you for a wonderful afternoon Claire! We had so much fun learning the basics of sewing, even those of us who were absolute beginners ;) Thank you again. Would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a sewing workshop.

Claire is an amazing lady, from the first moment I stepped into her studio it gave me a wonderful feeling. She is so talented and has a fountain of experience and advice to share during the lesson. It's almost like going to a Spa but much more creative of course. I have met some lovely ladies and we also manage to fit in tea and cake. Looking forward to much more from the lovely Claire in the coming year.

Claire is a wonderful, patient sewing teacher and I love the high spec of things I've learnt to make. I enjoyed the classes so much, I've booked myself in for more! I can't wait to learn more sewing skills!

I have never even sewn my labels on my clothes and rarely replace a button, but in just two hours with Claire, I designed and machine sewed my christmas jumper pattern for my work charity event. Everything was possible for Claire and she was gentle, informative and encouraging. Would definitely recommend this for the inquisitive as well as the beginners.

Claire is so patient and an excellent teacher. I learnt a huge amount and have really developed a passion for sewing.

Having completed the Introductory course with Claire at Eli-b I can honestly say she is one of the best teachers I have ever come across and has managed to inspire me to continue with my new love of sewing. The classes are small and relaxed and Claire manages to give each individual the time necessary to accomplish new tasks with confidence. I have signed up for the intermediate course and will also be looking into attending a parent and child session with my daughter.

I have a little bit of experience sewing but have never had lessons. I had 3 sessions with Claire who showed me how to make the dress I was making look much more professional with some simple techniques. Claire is patient and so enthusiastic about sewing. There is a wonderful atmosphere in her studio and the three hours pass too quickly. I highly recommend her to beginners and the more experienced . I will definitely be returning for more sessions.

I just want to say a huge thanks for yesterday, it was truly wonderful and thoroughly enjoyable! Looking forward to next week already, can't wait for the creative projects and to be able to learn more skills! Feel like my world is opening up more :) never thought I would really be able to sew!!

I'm thoroughly enjoying my beginners sewing course. Claire is so knowledgeable and is a great and enthusiastic teacher.

Claire is a fabulous teacher! I started the intermediate course last week and I'm so impressed with what I have learnt so far! Can't wait to learn more! Thanks Claire, for the giggles, cake and great instruction!

A huge thanks to Claire for delivering my first sewing machine lesson so brilliantly. My machine got its first use (after sitting 2 years in its packaging). As a complete beginner, Claire's lesson gave me the confidence to get started and I really enjoyed it. My goal is now to make my bridesmaids' dresses. Aim high! Claire is an amazing teacher, if you too are a beginner; look no further than Eli-b.

I can't thank you enough Clare, you have inspired me to get back on that sewing machine and start creating once again... I really enjoyed our session. Thank you for being so kind and helpful and most of all making me feel at ease.

I absolutely loved the beginners course I did at Eli-b. I loved everything I made, my husband couldn't believe how 'professional' my first makes looked. I'm really hoping to book another class soon to build on the skills I learnt in the beginners. Claire is really lovely and patient, she also serves great cake!! Thank you for a great class xx

Claire is an amazing teacher, she is so lovely and full of energy and very helpful. I've been doing the beginners class and I am loving it so far I've made a bunting and a shopping tote bag so far and next week I'm making a cushion really looking forward to it and can't wait to book more classes!